Olay may be the most widely known drugstore, skincare brand in the world! Their moisturizers are so easily accessed all over the world and it’s hard to beat the price point. They have a huge range of products, even offering non-fragranced items for sensitive skin. What does their vegan and cruelty-free status look like?
Is Olay Cruelty-Free?
Olay is not cruelty-free because they are sold in Mainland China. In Mainland China, 3rd party, post market animal testing is required to be sold in physical stores. While Olay claims to be cruelty-free in the USA, animal testing anywhere negates that. They’re lack of a PETA or Leaping Bunny certification is another example that they aren’t cruelty-free.
Here is part of Olay’s statement on their website:
“We do not test our products on animals. Olay is working closely with governments around the world to provide alternative research methods to eliminate testing on animals, enabling cruelty-free skin care in the beauty industry. For example, in a few countries where Olay is sold, governments still mandate animal tests. In those cases, Olay can be required by law to submit our products to labs where we know animal tests are happening. This is why we do not claim cruelty-free on our packaging. We do not believe these tests are necessary to evaluate safety or performance. But today, they won’t accept alternative non-animal testing methods. We remain steadfast and will continue to advocate for alternative methods to end animal tests in the industry.”
It’s a long winded response but notice where it says – “Olay can be required by law to submit our products to labs where we know animals tests are happening.” They go on to say this is also why they don’t put a cruelty-free label on their packaging. Olay knows they aren’t cruelty-free and this long winded response is a way to try and deceive customers and to sugarcoat the issue. They submit to 3rd party animal testing. They are not cruelty-free plain and simple.
Is Olay Vegan?
Olay is not vegan. Some of their ingredients are from animal byproducts. Some vegan skincare brands that pose as good alternatives to Olay include Derma E and Pacifica.
Is Olay Organic?
No, Olay is not organic and they have no claims to be. Some organic skincare includes Cocokind and Tula Skincare. Burt’s Bees has some organic skincare at the drugstore.
Where is Olay Made?
Most of Olay’s products are made in the USA. Their Asian products that can be found on
Is Olay Sold in China?
Yes, Olay is sold in Mainland China. This is why they are not cruelty-free. And why they don’t have a PETA or Leaping Bunny certification. If they didn’t sell in Mainland China then they could be seen as a cruelty-free brand. In their statement when Olay says they submit samples to labs with known animal testing, they’re talking about Mainland China.
Mainland China requires 3rd party, post market animal testing to be sold there. This is what Olay refers to in their statement and why ‘cruelty-free’ can’t be labeled on their packaging.
Is Olay Paraben-Free?
Olay is not paraben-free. Here is the statement from their website:
“Yes, some of our Olay products contain parabens.
It may help to know that parabens are one of the most common preservatives used in beauty products, foods and drugs, and are made from PHBA (para-hydrobenzoic acid), an ingredient also found naturally in numerous fruits and vegetables that are part of our everyday diet.
While we continually research new preservative options for our products, we have found parabens to be the safest choice for the products where we continue to use them. For those products, we only use amounts within the safe ranges established by scientific and regulatory agencies.”
Parabens act as preservatives and the FDA has approved them in small amounts. Will you regret avoiding them in your cosmetics? Never. But we do appreciate Olay’s candor on this subject.
Is Olay Gluten-Free?
P&G owns Olay and they do not provide a list of gluten-free products. Products containing gluten will say so on the ingredient’s label. The issue is trace gluten that comes from shared machinery and such.
Is Olay Phthalates-free?
Olay does not state if they are phthalates-free. Phthalates are popular in perfumes and fragrances and they are very commonly listed as ‘fragrance’ on the label. Some of Olay’s products do contain fragrance so those are likely the ones to contain phthalates.
Phthalates are highly polarizing because they’re linked to endocrine disruption and fertility problems. If you can avoid them, go for it because you will never regret that. If you’re looking for phthalate free Olay products, go for their fragrance free stuff.
Is Olay Non-comedogenic?
Some of Olay’s moisturizers are non-comedogenic which means non-pore clogging. Those include the Olay All Day Facial Moisturizer with SPF and Moisturizing Lotion for sensitive skin. A non-comedogenic SPF is harder to find so that’s a nice touch. Here are all their non-comedogenic, fragrance-free products.
Is Olay PETA Cruelty-Free Approved?
No, Olay is not PETA approved because they aren’t cruelty-free. As much as they claim to be in the USA, they will never have a PETA or Leaping Bunny certification because they sell in Mainland China.
Where to Buy Olay?
Olay is available at CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens. It is also available online at:
Final Thoughts
It’s such a shame that Olay is not cruelty-free! Given the lengthy statement regarding their stance on animal testing found on their website you would think that they are. But they’re not! It’s a deceptive attempt on their part to try and sway customers.
Olay is known worldwide for their affordable prices and widely accessible products. Unfortunately not for their cruelty-free, vegan or paraben-free formulations. Some drugstore, cruelty-free alternatives to Olay include E.L.F, Acure and Pacifica. These products are at the same price point as Olay, accessible and no animal is harmed along the way. They prove to be a much better option when looking for good, affordable skin care!